More road sections affected by Typhoon “Rosita” in Cordillera Administrative Region is expected to be passable by early next week with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continuously undertaking the massive clearing operations.

In a report to Secretary Mark A. Villar and Senior Undercretary Rafael C. Yabut, DPWH-Cordillera Administrative Region Director Tiburcio Canlas said that clearing of three(3) sections between KO540+800 to KO541+770 (with exceptions) of Tabuk-Banaue Road via Tanudan-Barlig Road in Tanudan, Lower Kalinga which were affected by series of landslides is targeted for completion by November 20.

Earlier, DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan has mobilized the pooled equipment and maintenance personnel from Regional and District Engineering Offices of Northern Luzon to reinforce DPWH CAR in the clearing operations.

DPWH is also undertaking the emergency construction of temporary bridge to facilitate mobility with the washed out of Lunas Bridge at K0423+900 of Junction Talubin-Barlig-Natonin-Paracelis-Calaccad Road, Barlig, Mountain Province during the onslaught of Typhoon “Rosita” late October.

The temporary bridge involves the construction of stone masonry slope protection at both sides of both abutments, clearing of debris, boulders, and obstructions, additional protection and armor at the backwall of the existing abutments, and repair of concrete abutment using reinforced concrete.

According to DPWH-CAR Maintenance Division Chief Engr. Nelia I. Antonio, the temporary replacement bridge is expected to be completed within two (2) weeks if given favorable weather condition.

Meanwhile, Director Canlas reported that search and rescue operations at the Sitio Hakrang known as the Ground Zero of Natonin, Mountain Province has been turned over to the Local Government Unit (LGU).

A total of thirty (30) individuals were reported affected by the landslide that buried DPWH Mountain Province 2nd District Engineering Office Building which was undergoing construction at Natonin on October 30, 2018.

Meanwhile, with Kennon Road presently undertaking clearing and rehabilitation works in Kennon Road, motorists going to and from Baguio City are advised to take Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Marcos Highway, Baguio-Bauang Road (Naguilian Road), or the Asin-Nagalisan-San Pascual Road.